Five robbers stole more than 4 kg of gold and platinum jewelry from a market in Pursat province’s Phnom Kravanh district on Saturday, police said Sunday.
Deputy provincial police chief Keo Sokunthea said three men armed with AK-47s, a revolver and an ax made away with tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry after smashing open three display cases at a market in Leach commune, while two other men waited outside on motorbikes.
“The gunmen went into the shops threatening the vendors and demanding that they not shout,” he said.
Jewelry seller Mei Vyta, 20, told police that she lost 1.5 kg of gold—worth about $57,000—and more than 1.8 kg of platinum, while Kheng Samphors, 19, another vendor, said she was deprived of more than 1.3 kg of platinum, according to Mr. Sokunthea.
A suspected accomplice, Nhem Nhean, 30, was arrested later on Saturday after the motorbikes and guns used in the robbery were found near his home, he said.
Mr. Nhean, who has a broken leg, denied taking part in the heist but provided the police with the names of the suspected gunmen, Mr. Sokunthea said, adding that Mr. Nhean was still being questioned at the district police station Sunday.
